Why Does My Dog Keep Coughing? Understanding the Causes and What To Do

As a loving pet parent, it can be concerning and unsettling when your furry friend starts coughing. You might find yourself wondering, “Why Does My Dog Keep Coughing?” While an occasional cough might seem harmless, persistent or recurring coughing in dogs can signal an underlying health issue that requires attention. Understanding the common reasons behind dog coughing is crucial for responsible pet ownership and ensuring your canine companion’s well-being.

Coughing in dogs can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from mild irritations to serious medical conditions. Identifying the potential causes is the first step in determining the appropriate course of action. Let’s delve into the numerous reasons why your dog might be coughing.

Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs

Dog coughs can be triggered by a wide spectrum of issues. These can be broadly categorized to help understand the potential culprits behind your dog’s discomfort.

Infections: Viral, Bacterial, Fungal, and Parasitic

Infections are a significant cause of coughing in dogs. Various infectious agents can affect different parts of the respiratory system, leading to coughing:

Viral Infections: Just like humans, dogs can contract viral infections such as canine influenza or parainfluenza, commonly contributing to kennel cough. These viruses inflame the upper respiratory tract, causing a characteristic dry, hacking cough.
Bacterial Infections: Secondary bacterial infections can follow viral infections or arise independently. Bacteria can cause bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) or pneumonia (infection of the lung tissue), both leading to coughing, often accompanied by mucus production.
Fungal Infections: In certain regions, fungal spores in the environment can be inhaled, leading to respiratory infections, particularly in dogs with weakened immune systems. These infections can cause a range of symptoms, including coughing.
Parasitic Infections: Lungworms and heartworms are parasites that can reside in the respiratory system or heart and lungs, respectively. Their presence causes irritation and inflammation, resulting in coughing. Heartworm disease, in particular, can cause severe coughing and is a serious condition.

Chronic Bronchitis: Persistent Airway Inflammation

Chronic bronchitis in dogs refers to the long-term inflammation of the airways. This condition is often diagnosed when other identifiable causes of coughing are ruled out. Dogs with chronic bronchitis typically exhibit a persistent, dry, hacking cough that can worsen with physical activity or excitement. Over time, chronic bronchitis can lead to irreversible changes in the airways.

Allergies: Environmental and Seasonal Triggers

Allergies are another common reason for coughing in dogs. Similar to humans, dogs can develop hypersensitivities to allergens in their environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or smoke.

Dog with allergies, scratching its ear
Image alt text: A senior dog is depicted scratching its ear, highlighting a common symptom of allergies in dogs that can sometimes be related to coughing due to respiratory irritation.

When exposed to these allergens, a dog’s immune system overreacts, causing inflammation in the airways and lungs. This inflammation triggers coughing as the body attempts to expel the irritants. Allergic coughs are often seasonal, coinciding with pollen seasons, or can be year-round if triggered by indoor allergens.

Reverse Sneezing: Often Mistaken for Coughing

Reverse sneezing, while not technically a cough, is frequently confused with coughing by pet owners. It’s characterized by rapid and noisy inspirations, often sounding like the dog is gasping or snorting inwards. Reverse sneezing occurs when something irritates the back of a dog’s nasal passages.

Dog reverse sneezing
Image alt text: A dog is shown in the middle of a reverse sneeze episode, illustrating the characteristic posture and facial expression associated with this condition, which is often mistaken for coughing.

Occasional reverse sneezing is usually harmless and resolves on its own. However, if these episodes become frequent, severe, or are accompanied by nasal discharge or facial asymmetry, veterinary attention is recommended.

Heart Disease: Coughing as a Symptom

Various heart conditions can manifest with coughing as a prominent symptom in dogs. These include:

Mitral Valve Endocardiosis (Degeneration): This is a common heart valve disease, particularly in older small-breed dogs. It leads to valve leakage, causing blood to back up into the lungs and trigger a cough, often described as a soft cough.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its pumping efficiency. This can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, resulting in coughing.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): CHF is the end-stage of many heart diseases. The heart’s inability to pump blood effectively causes fluid congestion in the lungs and other parts of the body, leading to a persistent cough, often worse at night or after lying down.

Collapsing Trachea: Common in Small Breeds

Collapsing trachea is a condition more prevalent in small dog breeds. The trachea, or windpipe, is held open by cartilage rings. In collapsing trachea, these rings weaken, causing the trachea to flatten or collapse, especially during inhalation.

Veterinarian examining a small dog’s trachea
Image alt text: A veterinarian is gently palpating the neck area of a small dog, possibly examining the trachea for signs of collapse or other abnormalities that could cause coughing.

This collapse irritates the trachea and leads to a chronic cough often described as a “goose honk” cough. Excitement, exercise, and pressure on the neck (like from a collar) can worsen the cough.

Pulmonary Hypertension: High Blood Pressure in the Lungs

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. This increased pressure makes it harder for blood to flow through the lungs, reducing oxygen uptake. It can be caused by chronic lung disease, heartworm disease, or pulmonary thromboembolisms (blood clots in the lung arteries). Coughing is a symptom as the body struggles to get enough oxygen.

Heartworm Disease: A Preventable Threat

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworms mature in the heart and lungs, causing significant inflammation and damage. Coughing is a prominent symptom, along with exercise intolerance and difficulty breathing. Preventative medication is crucial to protect dogs from heartworm disease.

Foreign Objects: Obstruction in Airways

Dogs, being curious creatures, sometimes inhale foreign materials like grass, seeds, or small objects that can become lodged in their airways. The body’s natural reflex is to cough in an attempt to expel the object. If the cough is unsuccessful, veterinary intervention is necessary to remove the obstruction, often using an endoscope or surgery.

Foxtails and Grass Awns: Plant Material Migration

Foxtails and grass awns are barbed seed structures from certain grasses. These sharp blades can easily penetrate a dog’s skin or be inhaled. Once inside the body, they can migrate through tissues, potentially reaching the lungs or chest cavity. This migration can cause severe irritation, infection, and coughing. In serious cases, it can lead to pneumonia, lung abscesses, or pneumothorax (air leakage into the chest cavity).

Laryngeal Paralysis: Windpipe Opening Issues

Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the nerves controlling the muscles that open the larynx (voice box and entrance to the trachea) are weakened or damaged. This prevents the larynx from fully opening during breathing, obstructing airflow. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis exhibit coughing, noisy breathing (stridor), and shortness of breath, particularly during exercise or hot weather.

Cancer: Tumors in the Respiratory System

Cancer affecting the lungs, respiratory tract, heart, or surrounding tissues can manifest with coughing as an early symptom. Tumors can physically obstruct airways or cause inflammation and irritation. Treatment options vary depending on the type and location of the cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or palliative care.

Rat Poison Ingestion: Internal Bleeding

Certain types of rat poison, particularly anticoagulant rodenticides, interfere with blood clotting. Ingesting these poisons can cause internal bleeding, including bleeding into the chest cavity. This internal bleeding can lead to coughing, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Rat poison ingestion is a veterinary emergency requiring immediate treatment. It’s crucial to keep rat poison out of reach of pets and consider humane rodent control methods.

Esophagitis: Inflammation of the Esophagus

Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It can be caused by acid reflux (similar to GERD in humans), gastrointestinal upset, certain foods, prolonged anesthesia, or some medications like doxycycline. Esophagitis can trigger coughing as the inflamed esophagus irritates the airways.

Tumors in the Larynx and Trachea: Rare but Serious

Tumors in the larynx or trachea are uncommon but can be life-threatening. These growths can obstruct the airway, making breathing, swallowing, eating, and drinking difficult. Even benign tumors can cause significant problems due to their location.

Aspiration Pneumonia: Inhaling Foreign Material into Lungs

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a dog inhales foreign material, such as food, water, saliva, or vomit, into their lungs. This is more likely in dogs with underlying conditions that affect swallowing or consciousness. The foreign material introduces bacteria into the lungs, leading to infection, inflammation, coughing, and breathing difficulties.

Inhaling Indoor Irritants: Chemical Sensitivity

Household sprays, cleaning products, aerosols, and smoke can irritate a dog’s respiratory system and trigger coughing. Dogs with pre-existing respiratory conditions like bronchitis are more susceptible to these irritants. Even without underlying conditions, some dogs are simply more sensitive to airborne irritants.

Lung Lobe Torsion: Lung Rotation

Lung lobe torsion is a rare condition where a section of the lung twists on itself, cutting off its blood supply and airway. This is more common in deep-chested breeds and can be associated with fluid in the chest or prior chest trauma. Lung lobe torsion is a serious condition requiring prompt veterinary intervention.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Your Dog’s Cough

While an occasional cough may not be alarming, certain signs accompanying a cough warrant immediate veterinary attention. Seek emergency vet care if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms along with coughing:

Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy.
Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing, rapid breathing, or panting excessively at rest.
Loss of Appetite: Refusal to eat or significantly decreased food intake.
Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn’t resolve quickly.
Weight Loss: Unexplained or rapid weight loss.
Coughing Up Blood: Any blood in the coughed-up material.
Nasal or Eye Discharge: Especially if it is green or yellow, indicating infection.
Heavy or Rapid Breathing: Breathing faster or deeper than normal.
Protrusion of One or Both Eyes: Bulging eyes, which could indicate increased pressure.
Change in Facial Symmetry: A sudden or noticeable change in the appearance of the face.
Whistling Sound When Breathing: Wheezing or stridor sounds.
Change in Bark: A weaker, hoarser, or different-sounding bark.
Exercise Intolerance: Getting tired easily or struggling with normal activity levels.

Important Note: Never administer over-the-counter cough syrups or human medications to your dog without explicit veterinary guidance. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

If your dog is coughing but otherwise seems well and doesn’t display any of the concerning signs listed above, you can monitor them closely for a day or two at home. However, if the cough persists, worsens, or if any concerning symptoms develop, schedule a veterinary appointment promptly.

Diagnosing the Cause of Dog Coughing

To pinpoint the cause of your dog’s cough, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, which includes:

Detailed History: Asking about your dog’s health history, vaccination status, travel history, exposure to other animals, and when the cough started.
Physical Examination: A complete physical exam to assess your dog’s overall health, listen to their heart and lungs, and check for any abnormalities.

Depending on the initial assessment, further diagnostic tests may be necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. These tests can include:

Blood Work: To evaluate overall health and check for signs of infection or organ dysfunction.
Advanced Respiratory Infection Screening: Tests to identify specific viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
Urinalysis: To assess kidney function and rule out urinary tract infections that might indirectly contribute to respiratory symptoms.
Fecal Examination: To check for intestinal parasites, including lungworms.
Chest X-rays (Radiographs): To visualize the lungs, heart, and airways for abnormalities like pneumonia, heart enlargement, tumors, or foreign bodies.
Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound): To evaluate heart structure and function, particularly if heart disease is suspected.
Blood Pressure Measurement: To check for pulmonary hypertension or systemic hypertension.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess heart rhythm and electrical activity.
Airway Fluid Sampling: Collection and analysis of fluid from the trachea or bronchi to identify infectious agents or inflammatory cells.
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Examination of the esophagus and stomach lining using a camera scope, especially if esophagitis or aspiration is suspected.
Bronchoscopy: Examination of the trachea and major airways with a camera scope to visualize the airways and collect samples.

Based on the diagnosis, your veterinarian will formulate a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your dog’s cough.

Treatment Options for Dog Coughing

Treatment for dog coughing is always directed at the underlying cause. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment might involve:

Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like pneumonia or bacterial bronchitis.
Dewormers: For parasitic infections such as lungworms or heartworms.
Steroids (Corticosteroids): To reduce inflammation in conditions like chronic bronchitis or allergies.
Bronchodilators: Medications to open up the airways, often used for bronchitis or collapsing trachea. These can be administered via inhalers or orally.
Cardiac Medications: For heart conditions like congestive heart failure or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Endoscopy or Surgery: To remove foreign bodies from the airways or to address tumors or lung lobe torsion.

In addition to treating the root cause, supportive care can help alleviate coughing symptoms and improve your dog’s comfort:

Cough Suppressants: To reduce the frequency and severity of coughing, especially for dry, hacking coughs.
Humidifiers or Nebulizers: To moisturize the airways and help loosen mucus. Steam therapy in a bathroom after a hot shower can also be beneficial.
Oral or IV Fluids: To maintain hydration, especially if the dog is not drinking well due to illness.
Immune-Boosting Supplements: To support the immune system and aid recovery.
Oxygen Therapy: In severe cases of respiratory distress.

While many cases of coughing can be managed on an outpatient basis, some may require hospitalization for more intensive care.

Home Care and Remedies for Dog Coughing

It is crucial to emphasize that home remedies should never replace veterinary diagnosis and treatment, especially for persistent or severe coughing. Always consult your veterinarian before attempting home remedies, as some causes of coughing are emergencies.

However, if your veterinarian approves, or for mild cases of coughing after diagnosis, some home care measures can provide comfort:

Steam Therapy: Allow your dog to inhale steam by taking them into the bathroom while you run a hot shower (not directly in the shower). This can help soothe irritated airways.
Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier in your home can increase air moisture and ease coughing.
Ensure Hydration: Make sure your dog drinks plenty of fresh water. Adding ice cubes might encourage them to drink more.
Rest and Avoid Irritants: Limit exercise and exposure to smoke, dust, and strong odors.
Immune Support: With veterinary approval, consider immune-boosting supplements.

If your dog shows any signs of respiratory distress or general distress, seek immediate emergency veterinary care.

By understanding the diverse reasons behind “why does my dog keep coughing,” and by being attentive to your dog’s symptoms and seeking timely veterinary care, you can play an active role in ensuring their health and comfort. Regular check-ups and preventative care are also vital in maintaining your canine companion’s respiratory health.

WRITTEN BY

Jennifer Coates, DVM
Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Coates is a highly experienced veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with extensive expertise in veterinary medicine and pet health.